Richard Gregg

Richard Lee Gregg, 92, lifelong resident of Nixa, MO, passed away on the evening of Friday, February 23, 2018, while a much needed rain blessed the earth he loved so much. He began farming as a teenager and never stopped until the past two months of his life, although he continued to talk about farming frequently while in the hospital and The Maples. He loved the land, his cattle, equipment, and those who helped him on the farm. Richard loved buying and selling farm equipment and truly understood that the art of deal not only benefitted him, but it gave a much needed baler or rake at a good price to the buyer. Not only was Richard a farmer, he was a soldier who was proud of his service to his beloved country. He served from 1944 to 1946 and was stationed in Japan at the end of the war. He will be remembered with military honors. He was a devoted family man, patriarch of a large family of children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren. He loved them all and enjoyed holiday dinners where they filled the house around him with joy and love. Richard was a compassionate man. When he saw his fellow man in need, he responded not only with kind words, but with benevolent actions. If he had to forgo rent from one of his houses for a few months so a roof could be kept over a family in distress, there was no decision but to allow them to remain until they got back on their feet. He was their bootstrap. Richard loved his mornings at the coffee shop visiting with other Nixa farmers telling stories and jokes while eating biscuits and gravy with a steaming cup of hot coffee. When in season, a tomato might accompany his meal. He valued his friendships in the community: Bill, Bob, Jim and many others who sat at the Barber place visiting, frying fish for a get together, or climbing on a tractor to bale hay with him. In recent years, he began to teach his grandson, Gregg, the business of buying and selling farm equipment. They became inseparable, like a father and son, traveling long distances to get the best buy on a piece of equipment. When the trip began, Richard always patted the seat of the truck and said, "Lord, ride with us" and when he returned he always said "Lord, thank you for riding with us." Testimony to his worth as a man and community member was found at the Meet and Greets he held every October. Approximately 300 people would gather at the barn on Hwy 14 to enjoy good food, fellowship and music. Richard's favorite music was the gospel songs sung by Nancy Barge, a nurse who watched over him several years ago when he was in Mercy. They bonded, as he did with many who ministered to him during his illnesses and hospital stays, and she came to bless him with gospel songs. Prominently displayed for all to see were two signs in his barn: "the garden spot of the world" referring to his beloved "Nixie" and "Lord let me always be humble and have compassion for my fellow man." Richard was born on October 22, 1925 and went home to his Father on February, 23, 2018. He was surrounded by his daughters and immediate family. As the family shared stories accompanied with laughter about a life well-lived, Richard listened to Amazing Grace. He continually prayed that his heart be filled with love. He also prayed that he could go on to his Heavenly home, and his Father came that evening with comforting arms to take him there. Richard always believed in giving hugs and he got the biggest hug of all that night. Besides his many grandchildren and great (and great-great) grandchildren, Richard is survived by his ex-wife, Vickie Kelsay Gregg, daughters, Becky Sawyer (Emmett), Debbi Bersano (Larry) son, Richard T. Gregg, and daughter-in-law, Jenny Gregg. Ever present with him was his companion, Brenda Tune, who saw him through his many illnesses. Richard's goal while in the hospital and at The Maples was: Hay in May. Listen closely when May rolls around this year and you might hear that distinctive sound of a John Deere pulling a baler in the fields and meadows of Heaven. The family thanks the many staff and doctors at Mercy, The Maples and Mercy Rehabilitation Hospital. Of special note is Dr. Meldi, who treated Richard for many years as a doctor and friend. A celebration of life will be held at Adams Funeral Home in Nixa on Friday, March 2, 2018, with visitation from 2 pm to 4 pm, followed by a service beginning at 4 pm. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Richard Lee Gregg Scholarship Fund for the benefit of Nixa High School Seniors, at the Central Bank of the Ozarks in Nixa, MO.